Today I learned of the passing of pastor Chuck Smith, 86, a man whose life and ministry made a huge impact on Christianity both in Southern California and across the world.

Smith's life is a great reminder that it only takes a spark to get a fire going. What Smith started in a church just down the road from Biola (Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa) became a global movement that radically altered evangelical Christianity over the last 50 years.

God used Smith in great ways to grow the global church and transform lives at a time of great flux and uncertainty in the world. As we reflect on the life and legacy of ChuckSmith, my prayer is that we at Biola University would be inspired by our brother's vision and emboldened by his faithfulness to the Spirit of the Living God.